Escape Destinations Travel blog

Chile is a remarkable place on this earth.It is home to the driest desert and rainiest places on the planet.From its snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, icy fjords to beautiful sunny beaches, fertile lush vineyards and even wonderful Polynesian culture, Chile’s impossible geography excels in diversity like few other nations.

Even Trip Advisor placed Santiago among its Top 10 South American Destinations (it was ranked number 2) for 2015 while Travel + Leisure highlighted Chile for 2015. Fodor’s and Rough Guides include Patagonia and Chile as best places to visit for 2015. So what’s keeping you?

Chile offers a beautiful kaleidoscope of panoramas and unique settings.Surprises in this varied and pure geography range from the Atacama Desert (the worlds driest) in the North to the fertile farmlands of the central valley, to the lakes, forests and various volcanoes of the South to the glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica.Towering above all this and running the entire length of Chile is the long, serrated spine of the Andes, dotted with gorgeous colossal peaks and smoldering, mystical volcanoes.

Chile’s various geography has wonderful, friendly people, top-notch accommodations, delicious dining and numerous recreational opportunities, make it a Must See Destination!

Chile’s seasons are opposite of ours.A couple months after our ski season has ended, their world class ski resorts are open for business.If you’re a foodie, you can savor lush Chilean Wines, even staying at lovely vineyard estates under the glorious sunny skies.

Chile Quick Facts:

Only in Chile can you stand at “el fin del mundo,” the Southern-most community on the earth.

Only in Chile can you come face-to-face with a wall of turquoise ice at the world’s only advancing glacier.

Only in Chile can you visit the world’s most unusual collection of ancient relics- mysterious giant statues carved from volcanic rock at the Rapa Nui National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Only in Chile can you enjoy a bottle of world-class wine at the price of a gourmet coffee beverage.

Only in Chile can you ski some of the most challenging slopes in the world, then catch the Pacific waves in the afternoon- all in the same day! AWESOME!!

Only in Chile can you trek through rugged landscapes to see the world’s most southerly cliff paintings.

9 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Next VacationIn travel, cheap doesn't have to mean bad. No matter where you're going, there are many simple ways to cut expenses and still enjoy the quality vacation you want and desire.By Jen Campbell of Escape Destinations TravelSo often I hear “I’d love to travel, but it’s just too expensive,” people say to me. “It costs a lot of money.”Not true, here’s some simple ways to afford it!No matter where you’re going, there are so many easy ways to cut expenses and still enjoy the quality vacation you and your family desire. Sure, there are some tradeoffs. But cheap doesn’t have to mean bad. Here are some of my favorite tips for turning any trip into an affordable activity:1. Sign up for a travel-related credit card. By utilizing the signup bonuses offered with airline credit cards, you can accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles each year without ever flying or spending more than you normally would. 2. Be flexible with flights. A minor tweak in your travel plans can save a bundle, especially if you’re buying tickets for a whole family. Fly midweek instead of on the weekend; fly with stops instead of direct. Small changes can save you hundreds of dollars—multiplied by the number of people traveling. I recommend using airfarewatchdog.com, Kayak’s Explore tool and Google’s flight search, these last 2 allow you to browse the cheapest fares anywhere in the world from your home airport.Even travel agents can’t save you more than this, as airfare is so incredibly competitive now.3. Travel off-season. Summer may be the best time to visit Europe, and winter’s great in the Caribbean, but I try to travel in the shoulder seasons – just before or after peak season. Prices are really low then, the weather is really nice, shops and restaurants are open and happy to see you, and there are few other people around. Shoulder seasons might not be the warmest or sunniest, but the prices are far better.4. Think outside the box. Why are the most popular destinations so expensive? Because everyone goes there!! Looking for a beach but Costa Rica’s a little pricey? Try some out of the way places. Okay, there may be no substitute for Paris, but there are plenty of less expensive European cities with charm and excitement.5. Skip the chain hotels. They offer very little value, and there are many better alternatives available. Why spend $150 a night when $50 will get you the same thing? A few of my favorite lodging alternatives:• Budget mom-and-pop hotels.• House-sit: Another good method to save money, especially when you’re part of a large group, is to house-sit. In exchange for taking care of someone’s home while they are away, you’ll get free lodging. The length of your stay will depend on the homeowners, but you’ll get access to the house or apartment, and usually even a car to boot. Good house-sitting resources include Mind My House, House Carers, and Luxury House Sitting.• Apartment Rentals: If you’re traveling with friends or family and don’t need a concierge, maid service, and other hotel amenities, this is really the ideal accommodation option. Furnished apartment rentals have become enormously popular in recent years because they’re easy to book via the Internet and they often cost half the price of a hotel on a per-person basis. Plus, you get a kitchen, allowing you to cook and reduce food costs. Great resources for this are Airbnb.com, vrbo.com, and Wimdu.com.6. Bid for hotel deals. OK, so sometimes you just want a standard hotel. There’s still no need to pay top dollar. You can head over to BetterBidding.com to find out what other travelers paid for rooms in major cities using opaque, name-your-price services from Priceline or Hotwire. Then, bid a similar price, cross your fingers, and hope and pray that your bid is accepted. 7. Take the free tours. Sure, you could pay a sightseeing service for the standard tour. But in major cities around the world, free walking tours show you the city’s highlights and teach you about the culture. You also meet cool, smart, genuinely nice people. 8. Consider Booking last-minute. Airfare costs tend to skyrocket when reserving at the last minute. Not all aspects of travel work this way, though. Book cruises and tours late in the game and it’ll knock an easy 25% off your bill. No one wants to send out an empty ship or run an empty tour, so companies always scramble to fill spaces if they haven’t sold. The ideal time to get the best deal is a couple of weeks before your departure date. Conversely, booking ridiculously far in advance (such as a year or more) can also score a great deal. 9. Pay for train travel strategically. Train tickets in Europe are up to 50% cheaper when you book in advance (usually several weeks out).If you’re embarking on a tour rather than traveling point to point, consider a rail pass. When used properly, a rail pass can help you save hundreds of dollars, especially if you are taking overnight, high-speed, or long distance trains. A pass lets you pre-book your train travel with a certain number of rides or a pre-set amount of time; if used to the maximum, you’ll save significantly compared to buying individual tickets. Rail passes are typically associated with Europe, but they’re available on several continents. In Australia, a pass can cut costs by up to 70%.Sure, you could skip all of these suggestions and simply go online and book the first vacation that sounds nice. But that’s the surest way to spend more than you need to! Just a little more leg work will pay off in a really big way.

Yes, You Can Afford Your Next Vacation!Escape Destinations Travel Layaway Payment Plan is as simple as 1-2-3!1. Select the trip you want.2. Escape Destinations Travel will confirm your price.3. You make easy AFFORDABLE payments over time, then...HURRAH! YOU'RE GOING ON VACATION :)PLAN AHEADThe way to get the most out of our Layaway Payment Plan is to plan ahead. The more time you have from the start of your payments to your final payment date the less each payment will be. For Best results, plan today for the vacation you want to take 6-12 months from now.PAYMENT PROCESSThe way it works is very simple. You will make payments over time to purchase your trip. Every vendor requires a deposit and we cover what you can expect those to be if you select a Cruise Vacation or a Land Vacation in separate sections below. But after you have made that payment you will use the next months to pay down what the final balance of your trip is. There might be some months that you want to pay a bit more and some you might want to pay less.Some of our clients make it an even payment each month and pay it, just like any monthly bill they have...but this one is going towards pure fun and adventure in the end!We personally receive and process each payment and send you a receipt so you’ll know where you stand at all times. We are available at all times to answer any and all questions you may have along the way.WHAT DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?This is super important. THERE IS NO UPFRONT COST TO OUR PAYMENT PLAN! All we ask is that once you start the plan, you complete it to your final payment date. We do not add one dime to the cost of your trip. With every trip, part or all of your trip deposit is refundable to you, depending on which vendor you have selected for the trip, and what type of trip you are purchasing.If you cannot complete your payments...and we do understand that situations can arise that require a cancellation of plans...we will retain $50 per person of that refundable portion of your payments to cover our services rendered. We require that this $50 per person portion of your deposit be paid by check or money order with your initial deposit. Our mission is to make travel possible to as many people as possible, so our payment plan is not a money maker for us it’s a service we provide. PRICE PROTECTIONIt can happen that your price may go down after you start making payments. When that happens we’ll do all we can to help lower your price...if your trip was a cruise...unless the price we found you in the first place was a non-refundable price. Sometimes the prices we get are so low that the cruise lines have a non-refundable rule attached to them...this is happening more with cruises. If your trip is a tour or package the vendors have varying rules that govern price decreases, but we’ll always seek to get you the lower price. What happens far more often though is the price on your trip goes UP, and when that happens you are protected from price increase...your price absolutely stays the same. DEPOSITS-PURCHASING A TOUR OR PACKAGETour and companies that sell travel packages will want an initial deposit in the range of $200 per person. This would be your first payment and may or may not include a deposit on the air portion of your trip. You must satisfy the vendor's required 1st deposit before we may start the payment plan and all payments must be received by the vendor usually 45 days prior to the start of your trip. (Special Holiday travel has its' own schedule of payments, so be sure to ask us about those if you are planning a holiday trip.) If airfare is included the price of your initial deposit, it may include the total airfare price. This happens when the air price is a published price. One type of package that is very popular and that we do A LOT is the All Inclusive Layaway Vacations to destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and many more. DEPOSITS-PURCHASING A CRUISE VACATIONThe initial deposit required for a cruise varies by the length of your cruise. The shorter cruises have lower deposit amounts, the longer cruises have higher deposit amounts. On average a 7 Night cruise, regardless of where the cruise is going will carry a full deposit of $250 per person. If you are purchasing one of the many cruises on which we have negotiated prices the deposit may be as low as $50 per person. This deposit requirement is subject to change from each cruise line.Cruise vacations really work well when they are paid for in the payment plan, because we can obtain cruise prices so much further in advance than we do for land vacations. It is not unusual to have cruise prices over a year in advance of travel times.Again, and especially important since we have cruise prices come out so far in advance is for you to be assured that if prices go down from the cruise line (prior to final payment) you will pay a lower price, too; but if prices go up you are protected with your price being in our payment plan!A GREAT WAY FOR FAMILIIES OR SOCIAL GROUPS TO PLAN A TRIPIt takes time to put a family or organizational trip together and having a payment plan to offer the group can really make it easier to assure full participation. Be sure to keep it in mind if you are the decision maker for such a trip! This is where we have been so very successful over the years!FURTHER QUESTIONS?Feel free to email or phone us at 910.379.4033 for further details.WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? GET THERE WITH A SIMPLE 1-2-3 LAYAWAY PLAN WITH ESCAPE DESTINATIONS TRAVEL!

Unforgettable Puerto Rico Vacations-by Jen Campbell of Escape Destinations TravelA super sunny Caribbean beach, cool inviting bluish turquoise waters and a fabulous hotel are enough to make most beach bunnies happy. If these features have you yearning to escape your cubicle, then you can rest assured knowing that a Puerto Rico vacation will more than exceed your great expectations with 270+ miles of the best sand around. Whether you intend to surf, snorkel the reefs or simply laze the day away with an umbrella drink, you'll see why locals call it Isla del Encanto, or the Island of Enchantment!When you visit Puerto Rico, save time for all the things to do in San Juan. Start with Old San Juan and a tour of Castillo El Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, the two great and mighty forts that preserve the legacy of the conquistadors. But you'll also love the historic streets of Old San Juan, with its well-preserved colonial buildings, some dating back to the early 16th century. Outside the ancient city walls, the fashionable neighborhood of Condado offers world-class shopping and dining.Get ready to hang 10, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, is a world-famous surfing destination, with major waves from October clear through to April. In the summer, the wave action calms and this is the spot for snorkeling or catching a trophy-sized fish with a deep-sea fishing charter. And for something special, plan your trip to include a night without a moon so you can fully experience the wonder of Bioluminescent Bay where microscopic organisms emit a glow that illuminates the water for your nocturnal water-based adventures.And while you're enjoying your visit to Puerto Rico, spend a day in the only tropical rain forest that is a part of the US National Forest system, El Yunque. It's fabulous! Take a ranger-led interactive tour or just simply hike on your own to see waterfalls and the interesting ecosystem. Science geeks will gush over a trip to Arecibo Observatory, home of the world's largest radio telescope, the same one that was seen in Contact and 007-Golden Eye films.Adults who enjoy rum are going to want to see why Puerto Rico calls itself the Rum Capital of the World by touring the Bacardi Rum Distillery. The tour is free and includes two drinks. Or better yet, look for an ambassador for the Rums of Puerto Rico in tourist venues like Pier 4 to enjoy free samples! If you haven't over-indulged yet, then there may still be time to test your short game on one of the island's 24 golf courses. Many are championship quality, and they have the virtue of landscapes backed by the Atlantic, the Caribbean and the lush El Yunque rain forest.Your Puerto Rico vacation can be filled to the brim with fabulously fun things to do in San Juan or nothing to do on one of the many beautiful pristine beaches. From the 500-year-old Old San Juan to the newest luxury resorts, Puerto Rico is an enchanting wonderful blend of the modern and the tropical.Plan your Puerto Rican vacation getaway with us today!

The Best of Jamaica!by Jen Campbell of Escape Destinations TravelWe have visited Jamaica twice now, there's just so much to see and do!

Jamaica has rich colorful history, a smooth reggae soundtrack and picturesque tropical Caribbean beaches. It's one of the reasons I rank Jamaica among my favorite destinations!! If you want more out of your Jamaican vacation, we've got a cool “must-do list” that will have you making your plans right now!Every Caribbean vacation must include a beach, and the Jamaican beaches are so very awesome! We so love Negril, Discovery Bay and Seven Mile beaches, but if you get out and about, you'll discover this island has many more terrific stretches of sand than most. It's so very hard to pick our favorite Jamaica beaches since there's almost 200 miles of sandy shores! So....take your pick!Jamaica's colorful history offers plenty of interesting sightseeing. Port Royal, Jamaica was once known as the 17th century's wickedest city in the world, thanks to the then resident pirates and other bloodthirsty outlaws. You may want to simply drop by St. Peter's Church to see its interior, and stop by the churchyard for Lewis Galdy's tombstone, with its tale of his survival of the 1692 earthquake that destroyed much of the town. Continue on to Fort Charles and then Giddy House if your senses can handle the mere 35 degree tilt. The historic buildings help bring the legends of Port Royal and Jamaica to life even today.On the other side of the island, Dunn's River Falls is Jamaica's top attraction, and with reason. Best of all, the 600 feet of cascading waterfalls are highly interactive, as guides are on hand to help you climb all the way up to the tippy top. Be sure to bring a waterproof camera (and your waterproof shoes) to capture the sensuous beauty of the falls and the warm pools. And don't miss the Green Grotto Caves when you're on the way up the coast to stunning Discovery Bay, which also happens to be where Columbus first went ashore when he visited the island many, many years ago.If climbing waterfalls isn't really your idea of funa, then check out the historic homes that dot the quaint island. There's the 200-year-old Greenwood Great House, once owned by Elizabeth Barrett-Browning's family.But no matter what you do while you're in Jamaica, reggae- the island's infectious musical beat, and laid back atmosphere will have you in a vacation state of mind in no time!! From the beaches to Port Royal and Dunn's River Falls, Jamaica is the quintessential vacation playground, and maybe best of all, it comes with its own fabulous coffee, the peerless and delicious Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. So pour a cup, and make your plans now to check out Jamaica Mon!

Want to take a cruise with Zombies? No it isn't a new tv show or movie - Norwegian Pearl in January of 2016 will transform the ship for fans of The Walking Dead! Sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas for three days of horror-filled fun, scheduled for Jan. 15-18, 2016 You will get up and personal to interact with actors from “The Walking Dead,” attend question and answer panels, have photo opportunities and autograph sessions, zombie gaming, costume contests, theme nights and more to be announced. Some of the celebrities already signed to appear include Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggs, Emily Kinney, Sonequa Martin-Green, Chad L. Coleman, Christian Serratos, Lawrence Gilliard Jr. and Ross Marquand, but there could be more added as the cruise gets closer.

So, you can never truly fathom the true awesomeness of the all-inclusive resort until you can experience one firsthand. Many families I know believe it’s the best value for your money when you’re on a set budget. Many now they swear by all-inclusives and, happily, try out a new one every year or so. Simply put, even on a limited budget, no such compromise is necessary with the best all-inclusive resorts and here’s our 12 reasons why:1. Logistically Easy.The one headache people wish most to evade on holiday: Logistics. Simply put, where to go, how to get from one place to another (and keep our sanity), where to stay and what all to see. All-inclusives erase all this. For a busy family or couple, this is a godsend.2. One price for Everything.All-inclusives eliminate guesswork and the need to calculate complex budget algorithms. One (usually affordable) price for airfare, hotel, food, drinks and extras is a seductive offer for a family on a tight budget, a couple on a honeymoon, a gaggle of college students or, family getaway, girls only weekend, or anyone who simply desires to rapidly and simply get lost for a week or so. 3. One-stop-shop.The all-inclusive is just that. All-inclusive, a one-stop-shop, a purpose-built resort where you need not worry about where and what to eat, what to do and, most importantly, what not to do. Sure, you may have to pony up a little bit extra for that massage or activity but the beauty is that the spa is steps away and the beach is within eyeshot of your room.Activities are planned nearly all day and night, and you can choose to be as busy (or not busy) as you’d like.4. Adults-only.Need to escape from your children or family for a week? Need to escape from other people’s kids for a week? You’re in luck. More and more all-inclusive resorts cater to the child-less, offering the promise of serenity, true romance and flirty fun.5. Kid-friendly.On the other hand, if you plan to haul the wee ones along, plenty of all-inclusive resorts cater to parents and children alike. Daycares, kid-specific pools, activity zones, kids-clubs, monitors, performers and much, much more make it super fun and stress-free for the entire family (and especially for Mom and Dad).6. No awkward tipping moments.The awkward tip moment (whether to tip or not, how much to tip) inspires many a memorable travel tales to be shared. But some prefer to forgo the experience altogether, which is where the all-inclusive comes in, yes, it includes your tips (unless specified otherwise).7. Opportunity to meet new people.Whether you vacation all-inclusive style in the Caribbean, Mexico, the South Pacific or stay in a smallish or big time resort, you will enjoy meeting people from every corner of the world (and probably your corner of the world too). The all-inclusive culture facilitates a kind of breezy, informal locale that you can choose to adopt or abandon at your leisure.8. Relative privacy and seclusion.With that in mind, all-inclusive resorts can also be havens of solitude and stillness, where the mind quiets and settles into a delicious anti-routine.You can sit on the beach the entire week lost in thought, reflection and serenity, it’s all up to you!9. No need to schlep.When you stay in one place for a week or two, you can toss your bags in the closet and forget about them.No need to constantly pack and un-pack at various locations.Unpack once and be done!10. No surprises.Life moves super fast these days. The 9 to 5 grind can exact a super heavy tool and stress upon all of us. As such, a vacation with no surprises and a tranquil predictability can be a wonderful panacea. Enter the all-inclusive, doesn’t it sound heavenly?11. Easy to stay on budget.Unless you go nuts with side trips and menu extras, all-inclusives make it easy to adhere to the holiday financial plan (budget) that you’ve set up ahead of time.12. You can get away anytime.After a few days by the pool or with your feet in the sand, you may feel a tug to flee the confines of the resort. No problem, there’s always lots of things to get into. Tour operators in the lobby will be happy to whisk you to ancient ruins, caves, a rainforest, zip line, waterfall or, if fortune has it, a World Heritage colonial town.With that, discover some of the best all-inclusive resorts Escape Destinations Travel has to offer!

by Jen Campbell of Escape Destinations TravelNo matter what your "vacation personality" may be, a trip to the Gorgeous Caribbean or Exotic Mexico is the absolute perfect time to cross some must-do things off of your sweet bucket list without breaking your travel budget. Try some exciting but very affordable adventures like these listed below!

Cliff Diving - Rick's Cafe in Negri, Jamaica-This world-famous cafe doesn't just offer food and drinks - it offers the chance to engage in an unforgettable bucket list experience: Cliff diving! You can jump from as high as 30ft, although beginners should practice with the 10ft and 12ft cliffs first. Although food and drinks will cost you, jumping is free of charge, and you can jump as many times as you want. If you chicken out, it’s okay, don't worry - Rick's Cafe is also known as the best vantage point in the Caribbean to watch a sunset. So even if you don't dive, you'll still get a great memory out of it. Whale Watching - Los Cabos, Mexico-From January through March, animal lovers flock to Los Cabos for one big reason, a real big reason: The Amazing Humpback whales. Because the seafloor around Los Cabos drops off very quickly, the water gets deep pretty close to the shoreline. This means that you can see the whales right from the beach. Imagine the sights from your beach chair!Ideal weather, perfect waters, and abundant sea life make the bays north of Los Cabos the perfect place for whales to migrate and the perfect place for you to witness a breathtaking site without spending a dime.This one should be added to your list.Hiking - Virgin Islands National Park, St. John USVI- This National Park covers more than half of the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.Bonus, and there’s absolutely no charge for entrance into the park. That-s a whole lotta' park for a whole lotta' nothin'. The Virgin Islands National Park's breathtaking beaches, spectacular coral reefs and various hiking trails provide endless hours of exploration for both kids and adults. Plus, over 50 species of tropical birds, including 3 types of rare Caribbean hummingbirds, call this place home. Best of all, no passport is required to get to the US Virgin Islands.Pack your bags and head there!Explore an Ancient City - Old San Juan, Puerto Rico-The city of Old San Juan is an official National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For you, this means that you can explore this ancient city with free guided tours offered by the US National Park Service and not break the bank. Guided tours of both Castillos San Felipe del Morro and San Cristobal are available by the hour, when the forts are open. Plus, you'll get official tour maps that detail several other historic buildings in this legendary old city. Free can be fun!The best things in life are free, and when you throw a little bit of the Caribbean or Mexico into the mix, it just gets even better!Why not book your next trip with Escape Destinations Travel and cross off your Bucket List Picks today!

by Jen Campbell of Escape Destinations TravelBudget-friendly all-inclusive's are going to be your next best friend. Why? Because with budget-friendly all-inclusive resorts, you really can have your cake and eat it too! It is possible to head to that awesome vacation on a tight budget, and we’re here to show you a few great options to choose from! Check out our list of some great options below:These resorts will be sure to give you just about everything you could possibly want on a vacation. And, they cover it all for one wallet-friendly price. Sound good? Then read on for some of our favorite budget-friendly all-inclusive resorts. If you're thinking about a vacation in Mexico, the all-inclusive Oasis Palm is very easy on your wallet and super big on fun. You can start by spending a relaxing afternoon by the resort's new serpentine pool that winds through the entire, lush property. If you want a little exercise, head over to the wonderful 9-hole golf course that's onsite and start swinging those clubs. Then, when you start to get some hunger pangs, you can take your pick from one of 6 fabulous restaurants right there at the hotel. The Palm is also quite family-friendly. It offers a great kids club, so you can drop off the ninos (that's "kids" in Spanish) and have some time alone to simply relax and un-wind. Meanwhile, the children will be playing at the onsite playground or at their very own kids' pool, complete with a super neat waterslide. And when all you want to do is go out and explore the city of Cancun, the downtown area is only a short 5 minutes away. There, you can shop til’ you drop and play to your heart's content. 5 Nights with Air from $759calculating price...– All-InclusiveLooking for a budget-friendly deal in sunny Jamaica? The Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa is your best answer. Known for its nice budget-friendly price and extra helping of amenities, the Sunset Jamaica Grande will make you feel like you're paying a lot when you're really saving a lot! Located minutes from downtown Ocho Rios, this resort has 6 great restaurants, 4 tennis courts and water activities like kayaking, water biking and snorkeling. It's more than just an all-inclusive deal…it’s a little piece of paradise! Complete with unlimited cocktails at 8 bars and even 2 swim-up bars, the Sunset Jamaica will make your cares slip away under the beautiful Caribbean sun.4 Nights with Air from $879calculating price...– All-InclusiveLookin' for a beachin' Bahamas getaway on a super tight budget? You may want to consider booking a terrific stay at the Paradise Island Harbour Resort, right next to the world-famous Atlantis resort. With just 246 rooms, this budget-friendly resort will give you the cozy comfort without the extreme noise, crowds and chaos of a super mega-resort. And just because you won't find the same 24/7 activity here that you'd find at a mega resort, that doesn't mean you'll be bored one bit. There's a private beach, large pool, sports and 3 dining options to keep you busy. If you've got children with you on your vacation, there's a kids' camp to treat them to activities like sand castle building and fun arts and crafts. Plus, with the money you're saving, you can pick in a day pass to visit Atlantis. Then you can come back to your own peaceful, serene tropical paradise. Rooms starting at $226calculating price...per night – All-Inclusive

Just because your travel funds may be a bit limited, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice on your vacation dreams! With these budget-friendly all-inclusive resorts, you can have your dream vacation for a guilt-free price that'll make you think you're dreaming.

How to Live the Island Life!!by Jen Campbell of Escape Destinations TravelThe "island life" is not just a way of living…it’s a wonderful state of mind!! To capture it, you have to find a perfect mix of land, love and beauty all wrapped up in one unforgettable vacation destination. Let us ask you....Are you ready to find it?If you’re looking for a much needed break from your land-locked ways, the wonderfully tropical Caribbean offers plenty of exciting options to help you get your groove back and enjoy the fabulous perks of island living. If you want to take a crash-course in living the sweet island life, the Cayman Islands offer some of the best spots to dive into the crystal-blue hues of the Caribbean Sea. If you want to get up close and personal "wit 'da fishies," chart your way over to Stingray City sandbar. It’s a great place to see thousands of Sting Rays.This location is part snorkeling - part close encounter of the marine kind!This unforgettable experience will have you splashing with cool stingrays and feeling the good vibes before you know it. Don’t worry, they’re safe, just stay clear of their tails and let them gently nudge by you.On the island, the residents are just as friendly as the sting rays. If you want a really relaxing retreat, you may want to check out the Reef Resort in Grand Cayman's tranquil East End. Feel free to spend a few days on these beautiful beaches, listening to the peaceful whooshing sound of the ocean waves and you'll never want to leave. We must warn you though….some people stay for a lifetime!Speaking of relaxing, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy mainland, there are plenty of Americans, Europeans, and Canadians living the island life on the sugar-white shores of the Dominican Republic. With always friendly locals, a low cost of living and amazingly gorgeous beaches (open year round), then it's the perfect place to get the best of elegant island living. For a really beautiful beach, you may want to stay at Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort. It's the absolutely perfect spot to relax with a nice cocktail in hand. While there are plenty of places to discover true paradise, there's one particular destination that sums up what it truly means to capture the island living - Jamaica. With healthy portions of beauty, very friendly locals and all the Red Stripe you can handle, this beautiful Caribbean getaway offers travelers a true escape from the pressures of everyday life. And don't forget the awesome reggae music to be heard! Head over to the town of 9-Mile to discover the pulse of reggae culture at the birthplace of music legend, Bob Marley. The Jamaican phrase, "no problem mon," is one they take to heart, so if you're looking for a place to let your problems go, there aren't many choices better than Secret Wild Orchid Montego Bay. It's the absolute perfect place to experience easy elegant island living in the comfort of an ultra-luxurious resort. Whether you plan to permanently trade your 9-5 in for a warm beach and simply laid back charm, or just take a few days to relax and recharge - living the island life is the best way to lose yourself in paradise.We may just take up some of these ideas and head to the islands ourselves, having Escape Destinations Travel plan our next vacation!